Driving Cost from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Charlotte, North Carolina

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The Cost of a Trip Between Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Charlotte, North Carolina

Are you planning a road trip from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Charlotte, North Carolina? One of the major factors to consider when planning a road trip is the cost. This article will discuss the different possible routes between Bethlehem and Charlotte and highlight the cost and distance of each one.

Possible Routes

Route 1: I-81 S and I-77 S

This is the most direct route between Bethlehem and Charlotte. It covers a distance of approximately 560 miles and takes approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and pit stops. The route begins in Bethlehem and takes I-81 South through Virginia, merging onto I-77 South into North Carolina, before ending in Charlotte.

Route 2: I-78 W, I-81 S, and I-77 S

This route is slightly longer than Route 1, covering a distance of approximately 590 miles. However, it can be a good option if you want to avoid heavy traffic or construction delays on Route 1. This route takes I-78 West from Bethlehem, then merges onto I-81 South in Harrisburg, PA. From there, it continues onto I-77 South before ending in Charlotte.

Route 3: US-29 S and I-85 S

This route is the longest of the three but it could be a scenic option. It covers a distance of approximately 675 miles and takes approximately 11 hours, depending on traffic and pit stops. The route begins at Bethlehem and takes US-29 South through Virginia before merging onto I-85 South in North Carolina, before ending in Charlotte.

Now that we've covered the possible routes, let's take a look at their cost.

Cost

The cost of the trip will depend on several factors, including fuel, tolls, and vehicle maintenance.

Fuel Cost

Fuel cost is one of the main expenses of a road trip. As of August 2021, the average gas price in Bethlehem is $3.05 per gallon, while the average gas price in Charlotte is $2.85 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. Based on these prices, we can estimate the cost of the trip as follows:

  • Route 1: If your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 22.4 gallons of gas for the trip, which will cost around $68 in Bethlehem and $64 in Charlotte. The total fuel cost will be around $132 for the round trip.

  • Route 2: If your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 23.6 gallons of gas for the trip, which will cost around $72 in Bethlehem and $68 in Charlotte. The total fuel cost will be around $140 for the round trip.

  • Route 3: If your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 27 gallons of gas for the trip, which will cost around $82 in Bethlehem and $77 in Charlotte. The total fuel cost will be around $159 for the round trip.

Toll Cost

There are no tolls on Route 1 and Route 3. However, there are several tolls on Route 2, including:

  • Pennsylvania Turnpike: The toll for a passenger car between exit 286 (Lebanon-Lancaster) and exit 247 (Harrisburg East) is $6.90, according to the PA Turnpike Commission.
  • Mid-County Toll Plaza: The toll for a passenger car traveling through the Mid-County Toll Plaza on the Northeastern Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike is $6.95, according to the PA Turnpike Commission.
  • Virginia Turnpike: The toll for a passenger car traveling through Virginia on I-81 is $6.25, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Based on these tolls, the total estimated toll cost for Route 2 is approximately $20.10 for the round trip.

Vehicle Maintenance Cost

There are other expenses associated with vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and any unforeseen issues that could arise during the road trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most direct route between Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Charlotte, North Carolina is Route 1, which is approximately 560 miles and takes approximately 8.5 hours, depending on traffic and pit stops. Based on the current gas prices, the estimated fuel cost for the round trip between Bethlehem and Charlotte will be around $132. There are no tolls for this route.

If you want to avoid heavy traffic or construction delays, Route 2 is a good alternative, although it will cost you approximately $140 for the round trip, including tolls of around $20.10.

Route 3 is the longest route, covering approximately 675 miles and taking approximately 11 hours, depending on traffic and pit stops. However, it could be a scenic option for those who enjoy a leisurely drive. The estimated fuel cost for this route will be around $159 for the round trip.

Ultimately, the route you choose will depend on your budget and preferences. Whichever route you take, make sure to plan ahead and factor in any additional expenses associated with vehicle maintenance. With proper planning, you can enjoy a beautiful road trip from Bethlehem to Charlotte without breaking the bank.